Academic Sources

Source One: This article goes on to explain about the past and how it plays a huge role in our future. It is something that changes our life and also determines our future.

Albarracin, Dolores. Wyer, Robert S. Jr. "The Cognitive Impact of Past Behavior: Influences on Beliefs, Attitudes, and Future Behavioral Decisions." Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 7.9 (2000): 5-22. Web. 27 May 1999.


Source Two: In this journal article, the meaning of life is discussed and how we all have different ways of defining it and how sometimes it's best not to go into depth about the definition of life.

Gayon, Jean. "Defining life: Synthesis and Conclusions." Origins of Life and Evolution of Biospheres 40.2 (2010): 231-244. Web. Apr. 2010.


Source Three: This narrative of Janell's life goes on to talk about her own struggles as she came from Mexico and her lack of adjustment. It goes on to be an inspirational story about how to succeed in life, specifically in our education.

Robles, Janell. "Barriers to Success: A Narrative of One Latina Student's Struggles." Harvard Educational Review 79.4 (2009): 745-754, 784. Web. Winter 2009.

Paper topic

As I mentioned in my last post, I've always wondered what life is? It is everywhere but there's so many things that come with this idea of life. There's many different views on what life is and it just sparks curiosity in me to know what life really is.
- what defines life?
- does life ever end?
- is life just humanity?
- is life what defines who we are?
- where does this idea of life come from?
- is there an after life?
- is there a right way of living life?
- is life choices or destiny?

What is Life?

My favorite question to ask has always been, "What is life?" I say it in a jokingly way, but today as I was walking through our campus in the morning, I watched all around me. The beauty of all the leaves on the ground, all the colors of fall. I thought to myself, life is beautiful. Life is a gift, just like everything else we have. Another day on this earth is a blessing. Sometimes we may feel overwhelmed and feel like we just want to quit, but why quit now when you've gotten this far??? For me I realize life is everything. When asking others, they say life is just the people and the animals inhabiting this earth. I believe it is much more than that. Life is birth, it is death, sorrow, love, and so much more. We make mistakes and we learn from them (sometimes, hopefully we do...). I watched the movie, Heaven is for real, amazing movie by the way, very touching and something I remember from the movie is what the dad said, we all have had a piece of heaven, whether it is when we carry a child for the first time, when we leave our parents for the first time and see how much they mean to us, etc. If things like those small pieces of heaven make us feel so much, can you imagine what the real heaven is like? Life is a piece of heaven. Cherish it, enjoy it, live it. "We only live once, but if we do it right, once is enough."

‘Search until you find a passion and go all out to excel in its expression’

    That is how Alvin Powell, a Harvard Staff writer, depicts E.O. Wilson's devotion in his life to understanding the workings of the natural world. The review from Harvard Gazette is indeed a very interesting one and rare. Wilson was born in Alabama and as he said, "There weren’t many options growing up in Alabama." Wilson is pursuing his PhD in Harvard, he is a biologist, researcher, theorist, author, but the most curious thing is his biological specialty in myrmecology, which is the study of ants. His fascination as a young boy hasn't changed the least bit now, "[he's] still basically a boy who's excited by what's going on." Throughout the review we go from Wilson's childhood to his accomplishments. Two Pulitzer prizes, the national medal of science, and the Crafoord Prize from the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Some of the questions asked also include why Wilson had such interest in them and the answer was his childhood and his fascination with nature. For me this story was such a great motivation. In life most people pursue a career based on the income they will receive, Wilson pursued a career which he felt a calling for. It was his dream and his passion as it is stated in the heading. He never mentions money, he just mentions his deep love and fascination for what he does, which is what we all should do. Pursue what we love and just make the best out of it. Who knows maybe we will win the next Pulitzer prices. I feel E.O. Wilson is a representation of hope to others in just following their own dreams and having a wonderful life doing what they love. If one person can do it, then it is possible. Whether its studying ants or doing something else, just find your passion and follow on through with it!


http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2014/04/search-until-you-find-a-passion-and-go-all-out-to-excel-in-its-expression/